router question

I have a cable internet system. Right now my router is hooked up to my PC, but I have wireless access throughout the house. Can I remove the PC from the router and still have wireless access? If so, how do I go about doing this? I want to remove the PC from it's current location.

Yes ......
if you ethernet port to router then just attach it too your wirelss.
Configure your DHCP on router.
Configure your ip for your wireless (static)
connect to wireless and LAN both using wireless port extension and or wifi
:D

Uh, ok guys, one thing everybody has missed (probably because it seems relatively obvious) If his DESKTOP PC doesn't have a Wireless Card or adapter in it, (Which I'm assuming it doesn't because most don't and he's already connected via wireless) then he'll have a heck of a time connecting to the WiFi Router/AP. USER, you want to get a USB Wifi Adapter, you can pick one up at Staples, or WalMart or Radio Shack or BestBuy or Kmart or..... anywhere.

What Michael said...was about to answer but put it off to grab a breakfast sandwhich (you have to keep your priorities straight)...you will need a USB adapter or PCI adapter. I wouldn't recommend PCI (internal network adpater) unless your desktop has limited USB ports and you need them for other peripherals.

Charles -- I am not quite sure what you mean by working on desktop modems.

Scenerio 1: You are controlling wireless from your desktop modem and wired connections from your router (not preferred, but I have seen it). Disconnecting a PC does not affect your wireless.

Scenerio 2: You don't need to have the PC connect to the Web or it also has a wireless card. Disconnecting a PC does not affect your wireless, whether the modem or router (usual configuration) controls DHCP.

Scenerio 3: Your PC hosts a proxy used by other devices in the network. In this case you will need to redirect other devices you want to have reach the internet, or connect the PC via wireless but with a static IP address. The modem is not part of the consideration in this.

Charles,
The short answer is "No", the longer answer is, what kind of modems are you talking about and what type of connectivity. The traditional home setup is to have a cable/dsl modem with an ethernet connection to a wired or wireless enabled router. From the router out to your various internet connected devices (PCs, etc). However, some internet service providers offer DSL/Cable modems with built in Wifi and/or built in wired routers. For the original scenario at the top of this thread to work, the system would have to be configured for wireless or wired connectivity back to the Cable/DSL modem, or in the case of connecting multiple devices, back to the modem through the router which will "share" the connection with multiple devices on the local area network.
M

The best answer is yes. Take your wireless router and connect it to you cable modem. You may want to sent up WEP or one of the other security systems that are on you router. If you do you, you will need a hard wire to your router to set it up. If your router is close enough you can still have a computer hard wired to it so that you can keep the other computer hard wired. If you want to. I have never heard why anyone would connect their router to a computer. I run a house Internet with 8 computers and the only problem that I have is friends dropping in. I only allow known Mac addresses. So I have to allow temp users access to the wireless.
Just remember. Cable / DSL modem connects to router ( wireless or not ), then computers, printers or any wireless or hard wired devices.
Your router with DHCP enabled will give all your devices their IP address. It's simple.

BLUF: the only real question is whether your desktop has wireless capability. As far as the rest is concerned Randy and Michael have both addressed your network options but the only real concern you should have is if your desktop needs a Wi-Fi network adaptor or not.

I have a DSL Modem and a Linksys-N Router. I have one wireless desktop (Dell XPS One) two PC laptops with built in wireless (Acer and Dell) and two MacBook Pros (built in wireless as well) running off my wireless home network - not to mention my iPhone and, until I upgraded my security to WPA2, my four iPAQs. Like Randy, when we have visitors I have to give them access to my network (that includes my son when he's home from college...let's him know he's just "visiting"). I do have a work Dell laptop as well that I have to run an Ethernet cable to because wireless is disabled for security reasons, although I do have an aircard for it when I bring it on trips.

Question Woody? Why would you not recommend a PCI Internet adapter, I use three and have no problems now. I have used 2 USB Lynksys adapters and 1 Trendnet that have all failed, maybe my bad choise.
Inquiring mind would like too know.
Thabks, Randy

Actually Randy, I was thinking about the ease of use (plug it in versus taking off the computer cover and plugging the adapter into the PCI slot) as some people get nervous doing anything that involves taking off the cover as opposed to mself, and you too I'd wager, who don't think twice about doing so. There has also been some major approvements on USB adapters that make them more powerful and reliable hence the surge in sales with USB adapters versus the PCI version. Don't get me wrong I have used them and they worked fine but was just thinking about the user.

You have to forgive me...I work with a bunch of attorneys and when it comes to recommending things to them in the IT arena I stray away from anything that requires them to go inside their computer as it's scary enough with the problems they create with just software! So, in the words of a politician, let me rephrase that..."they both work great, with the PCI version maybe even giving better performance for some, but the USB adapter requires no opening up of your computer - if you are nervous in that area."

I like PCI adapters on machines with a limited number of USB ports or with all ports on one USB controller. They work well if the machine is exposed (vs interference if it is in an enclosed area) and not too close to a UPS.

I like USB adapters for most situations simply because I don't have to install drivers, open the machine, then complete the install. Unlike Randy, I've had good luck with longevity on them (except where there are pets that love the blinking light). These are also great if someone is connecting in a high interference environment and, with an extension, it is sometimes possible to move them around and improve signal.

Well put Randy, I work as the IT Director for an Automotive Sales Group, and let me tell you K.I.S.S. is rapidly becoming my motto. It's gotten to the point where I don't even give more complex options (unless they're significantly better). Keep It Simple Stupid. Funny how non-techies simply don't get computers and related equipment. I mean really don't get it at all!

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